In the late 1980s, the late and great Carroll Shelby oversaw the modification of various sporty and limited production Dodge models. While most of these were energetic front-wheel drive vehicles such as the Shelby CSX and the Shelby GLHS, there was one rear-wheel-drive model: the Shelby Dakota. Dodge and Shelby created just 1,500 of these trucks, and this 1989 Shelby Dakota that’s available here on eBay is a solid driver-quality example.
This sporty truck is available in Chesnee, South Carolina with a clean title. The Shelby Dakota plaque indicates that it is the 938th truck in the production run, and one of approximately 1,000 to feature a red exterior paint color.
While this is a solid Shelby Dakota, there are some areas of fading clear coat and worn out exterior graphics. One of the wheels is missing a center cap, but all four wheels sport new tires. However, the seller mentions that the truck is rust free, and that replacement graphics are still available.
Inside the cabin, there’s a maroon-themed interior with Shelby-labeled upholstery throughout. The truck utilizes a newer stereo system with an auxiliary port and also features the original steering wheel.
One of the things that made the Shelby Dakota so special was the engine – it utilizes a 318 cu.-in. V8 engine, which pairs to an automatic transmission and a limited-slip rear differential with a 3.91 ratio. This truck has covered 179,000 miles during its lifetime, and it benefits from recent maintenance items such as new electric cooling fans and a new radiator.
At the time of this article being written, bidding for the truck is at $2,950 with the reserve not met, though there is also a Buy it Now price of $5,000. What do you think of this limited-production V8 Dakota?
I can’t recall ever having seen one of those. However, one of the butchers at the meat market my family visited back in the late 1980s bought a brand-new Dakota convertible. The Shelby Dakota would have been a lot of fun with a manual transmission!
My BIL has had one of these sitting in his garage for over twenty years. It’s paint and graphics are just a little bit better than this one and as far as I know it was in perfect running condition when he parked it. I’ve asked what are his plans for it and all he says, “I don’t know”. That’s all you can get out of him about it. I believe the miles are less than 30K.
Who knows…. It may show up here someday as a garage find.
Naaaaaaaa…… Just another hum drum Mopar…….Well at least its not rusty on the outside, who knows about the underside? By the way, the seats look like an energy drink logo…….LOL!
well this hum drum mopar will whip the ass of your ugly gutless ford ranger or no better s10 stove bolt all day long. my 97 dakota 5.2 stick 2300 rpm in 3rd gear 95 mph, try that wth your tuck
95 MPH and 2,300 RPM in third gear? I’m calling BS. And unless I’m participating in a sanctioned event, I won’t push any vehicle up to 95 MPH. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that going fast isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
For only having 1500 produced there seems to be one for sale every month. Cool trucks to be sure and you should have the only one at the car show.
Definitely not the original steering wheel.
I drove a 1987 dakota LE, back then.
These shelby trucks were fast for the day.
It’s hard to imagine there are so few left in
decent condition.
Maybe for a regular Dakota it’s not the original steering wheel but for a Shelby it is. Nice truck, price seems very reasonable. But yeah, it’d be more fun with a stick instead of the automatic.
I have a 91 Dakota LE with the pre-Magnum 318. I’m sure it’s the same engine as this one except for the air cleaner. It’s a solid truck, but no one would ever mistake it for fast…